The Importance of Shoes in Preventing Foot Problems

Poorly-fitting shoe ware can be at the root of many different foot problems. Wearing shoes that fit your foot properly can help to avoid certain problems like corns, calluses, bunions, hammertoes and blisters.

Here are a few tips on shopping for shoes:

• Have both feet measured by a professional. Shoe sizes can change with age, so it may be a good idea to get them measured each time you shoe shop.
• If one foot is larger, buy shoes based on the larger foot.
• Be sure you can wiggle your toes. There should be about a half of an inch between your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• Be sure not only the length of the shoe fits, but also the width.
• Shop for shoes at the end of the day when feet may be a little bigger from swelling. If you buy shoes that fit early in the day, they may become too tight by the end.
• Avoid pointy-toes and high heels.
• Check shoes for worn soles or heels. Worn soles offer little shock absorption and worn heels create uneven pressure on the heel bone. Have shoes repaired or replace them.
• Shoe sizes can vary by manufacturer, always try shoes on. If they do not fit in the store, they will not fit at home.
• Stick to sturdy shoes. These will only bend where your big toe bends.
• Shoes should not ride up and down your heel as you walk.

Wearing the right shoes is a big part of caring for your feet. Many foot problems can develop slowly, so taking care of your feet from an early age can help to prevent a variety of problems. 

Image by Jason Tester Guerrilla. New Shoes. (2008). Flickr.